Shoppers Stop reiterates commitment to beauty vertical with new appointment
22 April 2026, Mumbai
Shoppers Stop has signaled a major structural commitment to its beauty vertical by appointing Biju Kassim as the new Managing Director and CEO of Global SS Beauty Brands. This move reflects a broader industry trend where Indian retail giants are decoupling specialized beauty operations from general department store management to capture the high-margin prestige market. Previously overseeing the beauty division as Customer Care Associate and President, Kassim is now tasked with scaling a portfolio that has become a primary growth engine for the group. In FY25-26, the beauty segment contributed nearly 18 per cent of Shoppers Stop’s total sales, outperforming several traditional apparel categories in year-on-year growth.
Strategic expansion into the prestige beauty ecosystem
The appointment coincides with an aggressive physical expansion, including the rollout of standalone SS Beauty stores and a deepened partnership with global luxury conglomerate Estée Lauder Companies. The retailer is currently navigating a competitive landscape where domestic players are vying for exclusive distribution rights of international prestige brands. The objective is to institutionalize a world-class beauty experience that integrates digital discovery with high-touch physical retail, noted a company spokesperson during the recent quarterly review. By centralizing leadership under Kassim, the company aims to optimize supply chain efficiencies and drive the ‘phygital’ integration required to sustain a projected 20 per cent growth rate in the premium cosmetics and fragrance sector through 2027.
As the specialized subsidiary of Shoppers Stop, Global SS Beauty Brands manages a diverse portfolio of luxury fragrances, skincare, and cosmetics. Operating through standalone boutiques and shop-in-shops, the entity serves urban Tier-I markets with plans to penetrate Tier-II hubs. The division remains central to the group’s financial turnaround, leveraging a decades-long retail legacy to secure exclusive international brand partnerships.
Get in Touch! 
